When it comes to Arctic resource development, Russia is on fire while Canada is cold as ice

By Ron WallaceJan. 25, 2019

Russia is in a position of strategic military and commercial dominance in the circumpolar region. Meanwhile, Canada has instituted a five-year ban on offshore energy exploration. Canadians should be concerned about our northern policies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at a March 29, 2017 meeting in the northern region of Arkhangelsk on Russia's comprehensive development of its Arctic territory. Photograph courtesy of the Kremlin

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Canada and the Russian Federation have pursued different strategies for security and economic development in their respective circumpolar regions. These policies have resulted in very different northern strategic outcomes, with Canada at the short end of the stick.

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